Note 1 - The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Disclosure [Abstract]

Use of estimates

Use of estimates

The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to provisions for transaction and loan losses, bad debts, legal contingencies, income taxes, revenue recognition, stock-based compensation and the recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Principles of consolidation and basis of presentation

Principles of consolidation and basis of presentation

The accompanying condensed financial statements are consolidated and include the financial statements of eBay Inc. and our majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

We have evaluated all subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued.

The condensed consolidated financial statements include 100% of the assets and liabilities of our majority-owned subsidiaries and the ownership interests of minority investors are recorded as a noncontrolling interest. Investments in private entities where we hold 20% or more but less than a 50% ownership interest and exercise significant influence are accounted for using the equity method of accounting, and our share of the investees' results of operations is included in interest and other income (expense), net. Investments in private entities where we hold less than a 20% ownership interest and we do not have the ability to significantly influence the operations of the investee are accounted for using the cost method of accounting, and our share of the investees' results of operations is not included in our condensed consolidated statement of income, except to the extent of earnings distributions actually received from the investee. Our investment balance in private entities is included in long-term investments.